What’s next in EdTech?
As we enter the new phase of EdTech, where content is instantly accessible and can’t act as a moat or barrier to entry anymore, and the practice of digitizing offline experiences doesn’t feel groundbreaking anymore, I keep wondering what’s next in EdTech.
My take: emphasis on efficacy.
A big problem in EdTech is that we don’t know if the educational solutions actually work. “Work” in the sense of pedagogical outcome that educational products are expected to ensure.
UNESCO’s 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report reached an alarming conclusion: “There is little robust evidence on digital technology’s added value in education.”
A significant challenge we face is the lack of evidence of whether EdTech solutions are truly effective in their pedagogical outcomes. We often confuse accessibility and engagement with efficacy. A gamified tool may be enjoyable, but does it facilitate genuine knowledge or skill acquisition?
Moreover, the proliferation of digital tools may be leading to a Tragedy of Commons effect, where users are so overwhelmed with options that the collective impact becomes more negative than positive. International data, such as PISA’s findings, illustrate a negative link between excessive ICT use and student performance. “Mere proximity to a mobile device was found to distract students and to have a negative impact on learning in 14 countries…”
My personal experience of using apps to learn German was similar. I made little progress even though apps told me I was doing a fantastic job. Were the apps fun? Occasionally. Did they equip me with the skills to communicate in German? Absolutely not.
That’s why before shaking hands and teaming up, Dan and I agreed that no matter what we do, we will never abandon effectiveness as one of our critical metrics.
So where does that leave us? It’s time for EdTech products to prioritize outcome measurement and monitoring within their product strategies. Merely being engaging or accessible is no longer enough. Effectiveness must be at the core and can’t be an afterthought.
